Christ Was Also Tempted

Clarence DeLoach wrote this article. It appeared in the October 15, 1970 edition of the "Bible Herald", published by the Bible Herald Corporation in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation is universal and an inevitable experience. One may be indifferent to it, others may resent it, but no one is exempt from it.

The amount and intensity of temptation can be diminished through wholesome environment, but not completely eliminated. The first temptation was to overcome the first family even though it occurred in the beautiful garden before sin had marred it. One of the greatest advantages of our Christian schools is in diminishing temptation through wholesome surroundings and examples.

We can also lessen our temptations by winning the smaller battles of everyday life. By overcoming the smaller battles we are stronger and better equipped when the bigger confrontation with Satan comes. Joseph and Daniel, both young men, were taken from home as victims of circumstances. They were both severely tempted in a foreign land, yet both were able to overcome because they had earlier won the smaller battles.

The Christian finds encouragement in the realization that "...Christ was also tempted." Our Lord did not merely tell the way, He showed us the way to overcome. Since He was tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). Our Lord was tempted in the wilderness and Luke's account focuses attention upon the intensity of it; "being tempted 40 days of the Devil" (Luke 4:2). It did not happen in a moment but was a continuous temptation! Our Lord was tempted in the garden. He knew what was before Him. He prayed in agony. He prayed in loneliness ..."If it be possible may this cup pass." While on the cross He was tempted. One of the thieves said, "If you are the Son of God come down and save thyself and us." To be tempted is not sinful, but to succumb is. Christ was tempted, yet without sin!

But, how are we tempted? An analysis of James 1:13-15 reveals that (1) one is tempted when he is drawn away after his own lusts, (2) that lust when it is conceived brings sin, and (3) that sin when it is finished brings death.

The first family presents an example of being drawn away by lust. The Devil utilized his three-point strategy with Eve and has used it effectively ever since. He appealed to the "lust of the flesh" when he pictured the fruit as "good for food." It was pleasant to the eyes, thus, the lust of the eyes. The vain-glory of life can be seen in the statement, "desired to make one wise" (Genesis 3:5-6).

In the beginning of the Bible we are introduced to the mastermind of all temptation; Satan himself. In Genesis 1, the focus of attention is God. In chapter 2, it is man. In chapter 3 it is Satan. It is interesting to observe that man stands between two great forces, the instigator of all good and the instigator of all evil. And so it has always been. What a tremendous responsibility of choice man has!

The methods and manner of Satan are made clear in the scriptures. Wise is the man who learns his devices (Second Corinthians 2:11). He is described both as a lion and a serpent (First Peter 5:8; Revelation 20:2; Genesis 3:1). How revealing! As a lion, he devours and kills; as a serpent he deceives (John 8:44). Here we are given a clue as to his major tactics. As a lion he will attack your body and if that fails, he'll try to deceive you. Satan fogs the senses and blinds the mind (Second Corinthians 4:3-6). He presents evil as good and good as evil. He promises good but performs evil. He is a liar and robber. He wants us to "fulfill the desires of the flesh and of the mind" (Ephesians 2:2).